Audiences go 'ga ga' for Tullamore Musical Society's tribute to Queen 'We will rock you'

'A KIND of magic'!

The title of the hit Queen number is an apt description of Tullamore Musical Society's production of "We will rock you" which runs all this week in Esker Arts.

"We are the champions" is a deserved accolade for the cast which pulled off a stunning performance at the patrons and sponsors night on Saturday last and drove the enthusiastic audience "ga ga".

For Queen fans – an indeed all lovers of good music – the show is a delight from start to finish.

The musical's plot plays second fiddle to the music and rightly so.

Audiences are treated to over 30 hits including the unforgettable encore of "We will rock you" and "Bohemian rhapsody" blasted out by the entire cast.

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On Saturday last, the performance of the entire cast was characterised by enthusiasm and energy which was complemented by the futuristic set depicting a grim new society.

"We will rock you" was penned by the multi-award winning novelist, playwright and screenwriter Ben Elton who collaborated with legendary Queen guitarist, Brian May in devising the musical.

It is set in a dystopian future where individuality is suppressed and total control is in the hands of the ruthless Globalsoft Corporation.

The regime's leader, Killer Queen enforces conformity and is superbly portrayed by TMS veteran John Conroy, who is also chairperson of the society.

John revels in the role and manages to be both seedy and sinister setting the stage for the performance with an ominous warning via loudspeaker at the show's outset.

In the new world of the future, music is banned and virtually forgotten as are such staples of society as posters and magazines.

"We will rock you"s hero, Galileo, played by James Deegan, is a young dreamer who is totally out of place in the controlled society.

James captures his character's uncertainty while also portraying capably his Messiah like qualities as a dreamer.

In contrast, the show's heroine, Scaramouche, played by Aoife Digan, is mouthy and rebellious. Aoife displays Scaramouche's contrarian character perfectly, whether it's her dress sense or her determination to challenge the regime openly.

Together the duo meet an underground group, the Bohemians, who believe in the lost power of rock music and exist as outsiders.

The rebels revel in live performances of rock music with numbers such as "Radio ga ga", "I want to break free" and "Somebody to love".

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They also reveal their believe is the existence of a "Dreamer" which the audience quickly realises is Galileo.

Nevertheless Act One ends on a downcast note as Galileo is captured by the regime, the rebels are scattered and their hope for a return of rock seems lost.

But all is not in vain and as the Killer Queen celebrates and relishes her control over society, Galileo breaks free with the help of the Bohemians.

The group deciphers lost clues that lead them to discover the long-lost electric guitar which Scaramuche plays with intensity to unlock the power of real live rock music.

The sound awakens the populace from their enslavement and shatters the corporation's control and the show's finale appropriately features triumphant performances of "We will rock you" and "We are the champions."

The principal performers in the Bohemians – Amanda Cunningham, Barry Dunne, Sinead Handy, Malcolm Whelan and Joan White – all capably portray the independent nature and sense of vison of the rebels who want to overturn the regime's control and introduce an independent and humane society.

The "Ga ga girls" also impress as does the large ensemble of performers.

Director Chris Corroon is to be congratulated for overseeing a superb production which was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience on patrons and sponsors night last Saturday.

Speaking at the end of that performance, TMS chairperson John Conroy, rightly lauded the audience for their enthusiastic response to the production which instilled confidence in the cast.

But, he revealed that unsurprisingly tickets for the show are fully sold out all week, meaning many will miss out on an unforgettable experience.

CAST

James Deegan: Galileo

Aoife Digan; Scaramouche

John Conroy: Killer Queen

Amanda Cunningham: Khashoggie

Barry Dunne; Brit

Sinead Handy: Oz

Malcolm Whelan: Buddy

Joan White: Teacher

GA GA GIRLS

Anna Doherty, Grainne Donoghue, Ursula Dunne, Patricia Fleming and Seana Stenson

PRODUCTION

Director: Chris Corroon

Choreographer; Laura Douglas

Musical director; Enda O'Connor

Set concept: Chris Corroon

Set Design, construction and scenic artist: Wayne Handy, All Set Scenery

Stage manager: Wayne Handy

Backstage crew: Liam Egn, Hugh Handy, Ron Kelly, Patrick Rabbette and Ciaran Whelan

Lighting; Roken Lighting, Ronan Kenny

Sound: Jody Trehy

Graphic operators: Shane Barkey, Rian Fitzmaurice Condron

Props masters: Carla Carey, Barry Dunne and Catherine Kenna

Costume design and co-ordinator: Blathnaid Fitzsimons and Chris Corroon

Costume assistant: Emma Dench

Seamstress: Chris Corroon

Make-up artist: Aisling Minnock

Wigs: Chris Corroon

Photography: Mairead Brennan

Rehearsal co-ordinator: Dubhán Goulding

Programme editor: Mairead Brennan

Programme and poster print and design: Brosna Press Cretiv Design and Print

Front of house manager: Karen O'Brien

Front of house team: Mary Hughes, Lisa Browne, Martin Carey, Dubhán Goulding, Fiona Goulding, Martin Goulding, Brian Gunning, Natalee Kelly, Bridget Martin, Emily Martin, Méabh Martin, Karen O'Brien, Darren O'Reilly, Mary Roche, Deborah Stenson and Martina Stones.

ENSEMBLE

Jacalyn Blake, Mairead Brennan, Stacey Buckley, Grainne Byrne, Carla Carey, Emma Dench, Laura Dillon, Eimear Doolin, Greg Dunne, Rita Dunne, Lisa Fitzpatrick, Aoife Fitzsimons, Ciannait Goulding, Catherine Kenna, Ethel Kelly, Ruth Kelly, Emer Kenny, Yvonne Murray, Tom Nolan, Kaitlin O'Brien, Jamie O'Callaghan, Ruth O'Keeffe, Georgie O'Toole, Leo Robbins, Aisling Troy, Kathleen Troy and Ann Whelan.

ORCHESTRA

Guitar 1; Allan Kenna, Guitar 2: Rick Harris, Keyboard: Enda O'Connor, Keyboard 2; Ciaran Gilligan, Bas; John O'Dwyer and Drums: Ben Cooper.